The Truck has to go... need more room

[Ram4Sam]

Do some homework

Todd, I can appreciate your situation as I went through it myself. I had a real nice '91 reg cab 12 valver. The truck was right for us as we were childless. When we adopted a six year old boy(and his dog) it was clear a reg cab wasn't going to work. Hence, I bought a 99 xcab PSD. The most wonderful event of our lives(the adoption) led to one of the darker periods, owning my PSD.

While that truck was the biggest POS I ever owned, not everyone has the luck I had. They aren't all bad trucks, but I could tell you quite a tale of poor engineering and lousy dealers.



While Dodge has it's own set of problem areas, Ford also has many of the same problems as we do(lousy autos,brake pulls,etc)

One big thing is that the Ford guy's don't have is people like Bill Kondolay, Piers, Diesel Dynamics, Kwikkurt, HVAC and others who have found solutions to some of the shortcomings that our trucks have. I still visit the Ford site once in a while and they are still having many of the same problems with the 2001-02 trucks that I had with my 1999. There are a couple issues that have been around since 1999 models(a fuel knock that sounds like a bad rod bearing) that Ford has never fixed and since the next generation Navistar 6. 0 V8 comes out next year, they probably will never solve it.



I understand what you are facing as I have been through it, I'm really not trying to talk you out of this. But, I would urge you to spend some time on the Ford site and get a real good idea of what you are getting into. The Ford isn't a bad truck but a whole different animal than what you are used to.



Sam

 

[JConley]

I was born on the 21st of December also



All I can say is been there... bought a PSD Excursion. My wife is only 5 foot tall, so the front seat in the Ram can slide far enough that 1 child seat can fit behind the passenger side, and I put another kid in the middle of the back seat. I have to have my seat all the way back, so the dog (sheltie) can fit behind my seat. It is cramped, but we fit. The car seats take up the most room. Look at the PSD Excursions. We really like ours! We also go on a lot of long distance road trips, so it is nice to have everything covered up. One other nice thing about the Excursion is the rear seat. Those seats are big enough for the kids to lay down and sleep when we are cruising down the interstate.



There is no substitute for cubic feet and horsepower

 

[boonsur]

DON'T USE THE CARRIER BASE.

I went through your situation with my little guys, too. I found that losing the "permanent" base bought a lot of room, both up/down and forward/backward. I just ran the belt through the slots in the removable part. Was easy to do. Wasn't too worried about the carrier moving since it was wedged into the front seat.





Also, if you can get past the looks, you could hold out (or drive something else) until Dodge starts selling the new HD's. Granted, they may not be true crew-cabs, but the extra three inches would probably be all you need until you have teenagers.

 

[SmokinJoe]

Originally posted by Todd T

way to go DC you just lost another customer to FORD.

DC==Head in Sand



It would involve a deviation from normal ethics, but in Mexico they have Full Sized Ram Chargers... All you have to do is get a wrecked one and put your vin plate on it...

 

[Todd T]

OK guys,



here is what i got, a first gen Crew Cab, its an old state DOT truck. i also have dibs on a 94 4x4 rolling chasis and motor.



the frame is gettting stretched and the CC is going on it. i plan to keep it a single wheel and lift it with big tires and wheels. it will be tangerine orange and sport about 500hp.



now somebody buy my truck, so i can get started.



no Fords for me

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by Todd T



Gene, if i buy a new ford there really is no reason to pull with it is there?

I just saw that, I bet the Ford boys will love that question!



GeneLOL

 

[DEZLPWR]

Todd: forget the first gen crew cab idea....

Get this instead...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=600688003&r=0&t=0

 

[Todd T]

well DEZL, i appreciate the thought. but i have a 92 1500 suburban (wifes car) as well as i have owned two of the elustrious Z71 trucks. and i HATE them, it sounds like you are driving down road with the windows down. talk about road noise!! and be careful not to loose that ONE screw that holds the door panel on



the quality of the Chevy's is WAY LOW, and i can say this, as i have had three of them.



I bought the CC already and am just trying to decide if its worth all the work, or if i should get something a little newer. i like power windows and locks and air that works good and all those type things and the 85 model is not exactly up to par in those departments. I figure im looking at 4k just for the interior. most of the work i will do myself including the drivetrain and frame.